COVID-19 in Africa

The Africa Center for Strategic Studies has undertaken a series of analyses tracking the spread of COVID-19 across Africa, examining key risk factors, urban landscapes, and vulnerable populations that shape the virus’s transmission as well as the social, political, and security implications for the continent:

African countries face varying levels of risk that will require adapting a diversified set of response strategies to the coronavirus. The most vulnerable countries may not be those with the earliest onset.

The coronavirus is placing severe strains on Africa’s health, economic, and security sectors. Mitigation and suppression efforts will require a comprehensive government response built on clear communications and public trust.

The spread of the coronavirus in Africa has been accompanied by pervasive misinformation. Fact-checking and ongoing public service communications by all actors are needed to curb the costs of these myths.

The spread of the coronavirus in Africa is intersecting with the continent’s population displacement crisis. Protecting displaced persons and migrants will be key to reducing the overall rates of transmission.